§ Sir Wyn RobertsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish information on the management costs of NHS trusts in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [6023]
§ Mr. Richards[pursuant to his reply 12 December 1995]Management cost savings targets for 1996–97 amounting to £3.25 million will be issued today to health authorities and NHS trusts in Wales. This completes the transfer of £12.5 million to direct patient services which was announced in "Caring for the Future". A copy of the letter (DGM(96)10) has been placed in the Library of the House.
There are currently 29 NHS trusts in Wales. My right hon. Friend and I have received applications from the last three directly-managed-units in Wales to become NHS trusts from April 1996. Public consultation on these three applications ended on 24 December 1995.
Taking full account of the many representations received, and of the individual merits of each case, my right hon. Friend has decided to approve the applications.
Merthyr and Cynon Valley health unit will become the North Glamorgan NHS trust on 26 February 1996. The Glan Hafren NHS trust and Bridgend and district NJS trust will both be dissolved on 31 March 1996 and immediately re-established incorporating the Rhymney Valley health unit and Hensol health unit respectively. All three new trusts will become operational on 1 April.
The orders giving effect to these decisions have been signed today. We will announce shortly the details on the chairman and non-executive directors of the new North Glamorgan NHS trust.
Today's announcement confirms that, from 1 April 1996, all acute, community health, mental health and ambulance services in Wales will be delivered by NHS trusts. This will be a further stimulus to improving efficiency in the NHS in Wales.